2019 Voutilainen Vingt-8 combines respect for longevity with classical watchmaking tradition

 

 

The elegant and strong mechanism of the Voutilainen Vingt-8 wristwatch is housed in a stylish and robust case. The in-house movement of the Vingt-8 was designed, built, fabricated, finished and assembled in its entirety in Kari Voutilainen’s workshops.

The movement has a very large balance wheel manufactured in-house, allowing perfect regulation of the watch to within strict tolerances. To equip such an exceptional timepiece, a very rare and unique balance-spring system has been used. The exterior of the spring uses a typical Phillips overcoil, while the internal curve uses the little known Grossmann curve.

The escapement makes the movement very special; this is the first watch to have two escapement wheels in such a configuration. The escapement wheels give a direct impulse to the balance through the impulse roller/jewel. This escapement is extremely efficient and requires much less energy than traditional lever escapements, offering benefits in terms of longevity and stability in day-to-day use.

The balance-wheel bridge is sublimely elegant, offering an unimpeded view of the escapement and balance. It also allows the enthusiast to admire the synchronized movements of the escapement wheels.

The surfaces of pinions and wheels are completely flat and highly polished to within exceptionally uniform tolerances. All finishing work on the main plate and bridges is by hand to achieve the highest possible levels of surface finish. Screws and all steel parts are finished and polished by hand.

According to hodinkee, “the Vingt-8 is the best-known Voutilainen watch model and when most people talk about one of Kari’s watches, it’s this archetype to which they’re referring.” Kari Voutilainen watches blend traditional techniques and watchmaking prowess with super high-end finishing and looks just modern enough to really catch your eye. Read hodinkee’s review of the Voutilainen Vingt-8 ISO watch here.

Technical Characteristics for the Voutilainen ‘Vingt-8’ wristwatch:

– In-house movement. Design, construction, fabrication, finishing, and assembly in Voutilainen workshops.
– 30mm x 5.60mm movement;
– New escapement, with two escapement wheels, direct impulse;
– Main plate and bridges manufactured from German silver;
– Wheels manufactured from rose gold;
– 21 jewels;
– 50-hour power reserve;
– Free sprung balance wheel with rose gold timing weights frequency of 18,000 v.p.h.;
– Balance diameter 13.60mm with Breguet/Grossmann balance spiral;
– 37mm x 11.5mm thick 18-carat gold case and crown;
– Sapphire glasses front and back, anti reflection treatment on front;
– Engine-turned silver dial with gold applied numerals and gold hands;
– Hand sewn crocodile strap with 18-carat gold buckle.